Will the revised ODI rules really help the bowlers?

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has recently altered the One-Day International (ODI) rules to provide some relief to the bowlers as they were under the pump in the recent times. Suraj Choudhari, takes a closer look at the modification of the ODI rules and analyses to what extent the bowlers will feel relaxed because of this.

Since October 2012 (pls check the correct date), when the ODI rules were changed, runs have flowed heavily in this format. Teams are seen scoring excess of 300 on most of the occasions, whereas 400 has been becoming a new norm. The World Cup 2015 was a high scoring event which witnessed two batsmen scoring in excess of two hundred. Not only the rules but the king-sized bats and other facts have too played a crucial role in this tilted equilibrium.

According to the new rules that have been brought on last week, ICC has not made it mandatory for the fielding captain to have two catching fielders in first ten overs. Now the captain can choose to not have the fielders in the catching position, which is unlikely to happen and push them back on the 30-yard circle. As aggressive captaincy has worked for the captains these days in clinching early wickets, it will be interesting to see if they will have that catching fielder or not and how this modification will be useful for the bowlers.

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Another key change which will come into effect is getting rid of the batting power-play and retention of the fifth fielder outside the 30-yard circle in the last ten overs of the innings. Since its inception, batting powerplay, which is of five overs has seen a plethora of runs being scored during this phase. Abolishment of such a rule will give some breathing space to the bowlers as they can have those extra run saving fielders on the boundary. Before the change of rules, a team was only allowed four fielders outside the 30-yard circle and the batsman had an option to pick his spot and target a bowler accordingly as there were a couple of run scoring areas unprotected. This move will safeguard the boundary and won’t help the batsman to pick up easy runs.

A team is always under the intention to get as many runs as possible in the death overs, five fielders on the boundary will always create a doubt in the batsman’s mind and will make them think twice before playing a loose shot. For instance, earlier when there were only four fielders patrolling the boundary and on most of the occasions when the ball was pitched up, it was lofted towards either of the long-off or long-on boundary as one these positions were unlikely to be protected.

On the contrary, not only over-stepping but all the other no-balls will be awarded a free hit. This might restrict bowlers from bowling too many short pitch or the odd surprise high full-tosses, which will also ensure a batsman’s safety at the crease.

In a game of uncertainties like cricket, these modifications of the rules will although provide some flexibility to the bowlers but will it be enough? The bats, concern over bowling actions, two new balls from both the ends and flat pitches also play a massive role in ODI cricket. Until and unless these factors are taken into consideration the balance will still be in batsmen’s favour. As of now the bowlers might be a bit satisfied as finally some of their wishes has been granted. Hopefully, the other alterations might soon follow further making the pristine game impartial.

(Suraj Choudhari, an avid cricket follower who plays the sport at club level, is a staffer with Criclife)

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